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Home My WebLink About5-13-26 ENR PacketAGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, May 13, 2026 6:00 p.m. Maplewood City Council Chambers 1803 County Road B East 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes a. April 8, 2026 5. Returning Business a. Final Climate Mitigation Plan 6. New Business a. Recycling and Trash Request for Proposal Update b. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Annual Report 7. Visitor Presentations 8. Commissioner Presentations 9. Staff Presentations (oral reports) a. City Programs and Events 1) Spring Clean Up Follow Up – April 25 2) Waterfest – May 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Phalen Lakeside Activity Center b. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Calendar 10. Adjourn MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, April 8, 2026 6:00 P.M. 1.CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Saunders-Pearce called a meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission to order at 6:04 p.m. 2.ROLL CALL Rebecca Bryan, Commissioner Present Joanne Cryer, Vice-Chairperson Absent Benjamin Guell, Commissioner Present David Lates, Commissioner Present Ted Redmond, Commissioner Absent Wes Saunders-Pearce, Chairperson Present Deborah Schneiderman, Commissioner Present Staff Present Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Lates moved to approve the April 9, 2026, agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Guell. Ayes – All The motion passed. 4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 14, February 11, and March 11, 2026. Commissioner Lates moved to approve the January 14, February 11, and March 11, 2026, minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Schneiderman. Ayes - All The motion passed. 5.NEW BUSINESS a.Solid Waste Contract Annual Reviews Agenda Item 4.a. 2 1)Tennis Sanitation 2025 Recycling Collection Year End Report and 2026 Work Plan 2)Republic Services 2025 Trash and Yard Waste Collection Year End Report and 2026 Work Plan Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator, introduced the recycling and trash yearly reports and work plans. Representatives of Tennis Sanitation, Alexia Hieserich and Willie Tennis, discussed the recycling year end report and work plan. Representatives of Republic Services, Frances Estrella and Beverly Mathiasen, discussed the trash and yard waste year end report and work plan. The Environmental and Natural Resources Commission had the following questions and feedback: •What type of resources are available to improve recycling at multi-family properties? Tennis Sanitation stated that BizRecycling has signs and other resources. They work BizRecycling and the City to help multi-family properties improve recycling. •Are the recycling education tags for single or multi-family properties? Tennis Sanitation stated they are usually placed on the carts at single family homes to identify items in the recycling cart that cannot be recycled or the cart is placed wrong. •Can Tennis Sanitation add a QR code on the education tags that links to a translated version of the information in other languages? Tennis Sanitation reports yes, that is something they are working on. They recently added a translation function to their website. •What are the next steps in the Park Recycling Pilot Program? City staff stated that the new carts are installed and the next step would be an outreach and education campaign to promote recycling in the parks. •Are there any challenges with the collection of food scraps? Republic Services reports that the food scraps program has worked well for trash haulers. Residents simply place durable compostable bags of food scraps in the trash carts. Republic Services tips the trash at the R and E Center. There it is sorted and the durable compostable bags are removed and brought to the site where they are made into compost. •Does Republic Services have any suggestions on increasing food scraps participation? Republic Services reports stated that they will work with the County and City on outreach and education. Mainly through their social media outlets. Commissioner Guell moved to approve the recycling and trash year end reports and work plans. Seconded by Commissioner Lates. Ayes – All The motion passed. 3 6.UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS None 8.COMMISSIONER PRESENTATIONS None 9.STAFF PRESENTATIONS Shann Finwall, Sustainability Coordinator, updated the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission on the following: a.City Programs and Events 1)Bluebird Monitoring – April 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Wakefield Community Building 2)Spring Clean Up – April 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aldrich Arena 3)Waterfest – May 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Phalen Lakeside Activity Center b.November 11, 2026, ENR Commission Meeting – Rescheduled to Monday, November 16 at 6 p.m. due to Veteran’s Day Holiday. c.Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Calendar 10.ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Pearce-Saunders adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m. ENVIRONMENTAL & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date May 13, 2026 REPORT TO: REPORT FROM: PRESENTER: AGENDA ITEM: Action Requested:  Motion ☐Discussion ☐ Public Hearing Form of Action: ☐Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation Summary: Maplewood’s Climate Mitigation Plan (CMP) outlines strategies and actions to reduce community- wide greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and guide City efforts toward established reduction goals. Recommended Action: Motion to approve the final Climate Mitigation Plan. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact?  No ☐ Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0 Financing source(s): ☐ Adopted Budget ☐ Budget Modification ☐ New Revenue Source ☐Use of Reserves ☐ Other: n/a Strategic Plan Relevance: Safety ◊Focus Area: Foster community engagement and support resident well-being Sustainability ◊ Focus Area: Advance environmental stewardship initiatives ☐Development ◊ Focus Area: The CMP planning process was collaborative, rooted in a multi-stakeholder planning team. The plan focuses on transportation and land use, buildings and energy, and waste management, providing a clear roadmap to advance sustainability and strengthen long-term community resilience. Background: The City first adopted GHG reduction goals in its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, aligned with Minnesota’s climate targets at the time. Since then, updated science-based goals adopted by the State, Metropolitan Council, and Ramsey County call for net zero emissions by 2050. The CMP is the critical and final piece needed in the City’s climate resilience planning and will address a key implementation strategy of the City’s Climate Adaptation Plan. The CMP will provide a roadmap for achieving meaningful emission reductions through 2036 in support of that long-term vision. Agenda Item 5.a. Process The City of Maplewood has hired climate and energy consultant paleBluedot LLC to assist with the creation of a Climate Mitigation Plan. Phase one of the project took place in 2023 when the City conducted climate mitigation education and outreach at various events. The outreach included the creation of a climate mitigation survey. During the second phase of the project paleBluedot LLC assisted the City in the following: •Analyze greenhouse gas emissions •Recommend greenhouse gas emission reduction targets •Forecast greenhouse gas emission reductions •Organize a collaborative, multi-stakeholder planning team •Draft climate mitigation plan Phase three began in 2024 with the formation of a voluntary CMP Team composed of residents, business owners, and representatives from City Commissions and Boards. The original Team included 22 members who worked collaboratively to draft goals and actions aimed at reducing GHG emissions both within City operations and community-wide. Last year, the CMP process was paused while the City Council updated the City’s strategic priorities. This pause ensured that the draft goals and actions developed through the Team’s collaborative work aligned with the newly established priorities. The intent was to focus energy and resources effectively, strengthen internal operations, and ensure that employees and stakeholders were working toward shared objectives that support the City’s long-term strategic direction. With the strategic priorities now approved, City staff and paleBluedot LLC have completed an in-depth review of the draft goals and actions and incorporated them into a full Climate Mitigation Plan. The draft plan was previously reviewed for input in March 2026 by the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the City Council. In addition, the draft plan was made available for public review through April 1, 2026. The final plan reflects the input received as well as minor editing refinements. Final Plan The plan guides both City operations and community-wide climate action and addresses three sectors of GHG emission reductions including: •Transportation and Land Use – enhancing the resilience of Maplewood’s mobility while reducing GHG emissions and environmental impacts of transportation and land use. •Buildings and Energy – Reducing building related GHG emissions and enhancing resilience by improving efficiency, using renewable energy, and reducing on-site combustion. •Waste Management – Minimizing GHG emissions by increasing recycling, material reuse, organics collection, and waste reduction. Each sector is presented with goals and strategies, supported by actions and partnership opportunities for implementation. Implementation of the CMP will be integrated into Maplewood’s Capital Improvement Plan process which is updated yearly allowing it to remain responsive to evolving priorities, regulatory requirements, funding opportunities, and available resources. Attachments: 1. Final Climate Mitigation Plan Climate Mitigation Plan May, 2026 Attachment 1 Table of Contents Plan At A Glance (summary) ii Introduction 1-1 Transportation and Land Use 2-1 Buildings and Energy 3-1 Waste Management 4-1 Implementation and Impacts 5-1 What You Can Do 6-1 Appendix A References A-1 Appendix B Potential Costs & Savings B-1 Appendix C Acknowledgements C-1 Transportation and Land Use 5 Strategies 17 Actions Click here for section Buildings and Energy 6 Strategies 22 Actions Click here for section Waste Management 3 Strategies 18 Actions Click here for section Climate Mitigation Plan Process The plan was developed in 5 steps: Purpose To guide community- wide GHG reductions through 2036 in alignment with goals established by: Context: 4 baseline research documents Community: 175+ community members engaged Collaboration: planning team with 22 volunteers Calibration: detailed city staff plan refinement Completion: based on public draft plan review State of Minnesota Plan The plan guides action through: 3 Sectors of GHG reduction 14 Strategies to achieve goals 60 Actions + Partnership Opportunities outlining steps over a 10 Year Timeframe: Metropolitan Council Ramsey County Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Introduction 1 -1 Introduction CURRENTLY IN MAPLEWOOD (2022) 410,374 Metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions citywide 206,788 Metric tons GHG from transportation 194,396 Metric tons GHG from buildings 6,935 Metric tons GHG from solid waste 2,255 Metric tons GHG from water+wastewater Maplewood’s Climate Mitigation Plan (CMP) outlines strategies, actions, and potential partnerships to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and guide City efforts toward established reduction goals. The City first adopted GHG reduction goals in its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, aligned with Minnesota’s climate targets at the time. Since then, updated science-based goals adopted by the State, Metropolitan Council, and Ramsey County call for net zero emissions by 2050. This Plan provides a roadmap for achieving meaningful emission reductions through 2036 in support of that long-term vision. The planning process was highly collaborative, rooted in a multi-stakeholder planning team. The plan focuses on transportation, buildings, and waste management, providing a clear roadmap to advance sustainability and strengthen long-term community resilience. The plan builds on a strong foundation of earlier sustainability and climate action accomplishments. In 2017, the City completed a Climate Vulnerability Assessment to identify local climate risks.1,2 These assessments were followed by a 2021 Climate Adaptation Plan that outlined strategies to address those vulnerabilities. Most recently, in 2023, Maplewood conducted outreach – including a Climate Action Survey – to engage residents and capture input on potential climate actions. These initiatives have helped establish Maplewood’s climate vulnerabilities and community priorities, providing a solid groundwork for this plan. Building on what was learned, the Climate Mitigation Plan (CMP) establishes steps to reduce emissions within City of Maplewood government operations as well as community-wide. Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Introduction 1 -2 Co-Benefits of Sustainability Planning The World Health Organization reports that research consistently links sustainability and climate action to both economic savings and improved public health. Community efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across housing, transportation, and energy systems deliver benefits beyond climate protection, including cleaner air, better health outcomes, reduced risks, more efficient resource use, stronger local economies, and greater resilience in both natural and built environments.4,5,6,7 Climate mitigation plan implementation can result in financial benefits, better quality of life, and preserved natural resources. Financial Benefits Many climate mitigation strategies generate direct economic returns, including savings from reduced fuel consumption.8 In addition, a number of actions produce indirect financial benefits. Studies indicate that improvements in air quality can substantially offset the costs of climate programs. Some measures also enhance resilience by lowering reliance on fossil fuels, avoiding costs of $190 or more per metric ton of GHG reductions.9 The greatest economic potential may come from health-related benefits, with global average health co-benefits estimated at $50 to $380 per metric ton of GHG emissions reduced.10 Quality of Life Climate plans are designed to enhance quality of life over the long term. Studies indicate that well-implemented climate actions can broaden transportation options, generate employment, and help reduce poverty and inequality across the community.11 GHG Mitigation can avoid 57,000 premature deaths in the United States annually by 2100 - United States Environmental Protection Agency 3 Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Introduction 1 -3 The Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan was created through a collaborative process led by a 22-member planning team representing residents, businesses, institutions, City commissioners, and Maplewood staff. The team developed, reviewed, and refined strategies and actions across all plan sectors (see Our Plan), meeting in a series of workshops held between July 2024 and January 2026. Community engagement was an important element of the process and included community surveys, public meetings, and outreach events. Plan goals and actions were informed by community input, in-depth City staff review, expert analysis, and best practices from peer communities in Minnesota and across the U.S. Through iterative workshops, the team evaluated and prioritized strategies, producing a co- authored plan. Research Based Climate Mitigation Plan To establish the plan’s goals, strategies, actions, and partnership opportunities the plan consultant team conducted extensive research and produced several key assessments. These included studies on GHG emissions, and renewable, or “clean” energy potential, providing critical data on climate risks, carbon sequestration, emissions trends, and solar opportunities. A final Climate Action Baseline Study synthesized these findings, reviewed key community metrics, and outlined preliminary sector-specific goals to guide planning discussions. Click on the icons below to view these documents: 24 months Planning timeframe 175+ Community members engaged 10 Community meetings and events 2 Online community input surveys 22 Planning team members 4 Foundational research documents Community-Wide GHG Inventory Community-Wide GHG Emissions Forecast Community-Wide Renewable Energy Potential Study Climate Action Baseline Study Planning Process The City’s planning process engaged 175 community members through two public meetings and events, two online surveys, and a 22-member planning team. While this level of participation provided valuable insights and meaningful community input, it accounted for only a small share of Maplewood’s total population of 40,142. As such, the feedback is not statistically representative of the entire community. The input received should therefore be understood as in- formative and directionally helpful, but not a statistically valid sample of citywide opinion. Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Introduction 1 -4 Survey Responses—What We Heard Community input was gathered through two surveys with over 150 responses from residents and businesses.12 The first gathered climate mitigation concerns and action ideas; the second collected feedback on the draft plan. This input shaped the plan to reflect local priorities. It is important for Maplewood to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is important for Maplewood to be a leader in proactively addressing climate change. The City’s Role in Climate Action Respondents reported that they agree or strongly agree… 79% 77% Survey responses on concern about climate change:13 Slightly Moderately Not at all Very Extremely 2% 8% 13% 17% 60% Key Themes: Respondents support of example action strategies include: Transportation Top 3 Strategies: Development rules to favor walkable neighborhoods | 80% Increasing safety for biking and walking | 68% Installing electric vehicle charging stations for public use | 63% Buildings/ Energy Top 3 Strategies: City incentives for energy efficiency, and solar readiness| 80% Higher sustainability standards for new construction | 78% Supporting low-cost community solar projects| 64% Climate Experience13 Solid Waste Top 3 Strategies: Phase out plastic bags in community | 70% Programs to divert reusable materials | 70% Increased business recycling participation | 68% 88% have noticed signs of climate change 87% have been personally impacted Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Introduction 1 -5 Maplewood’s GHG Emissions Citywide 2022 Total: 410,374 Metric Tons Baseline Current On Track w/ Comp Goal 270,110 Metric Tons 2014 Emissions 194,395 Metric Tons 2022 Emissions 47.8% from Buildings 8,654 Metric Tons 2014 Emissions 6,935 Metric Tons 2022 Emissions 1.7% from Solid Waste 50.4% from Transportation 218,742 Metric Tons 2013 Emissions 206,788 Metric Tons 2022 Emissions Measuring and tracking GHG emissions is vital for any climate mitigation planning or implementation effort. Community-wide total emissions for Maplewood decreased from 508,112 MT CO2e in 2013 to 410,374 in 2022.14 This represents a decrease in GHG emissions of over 19% while the city’s population increased 0.6% during the same timeframe. Transportation emissions reduced 8.3% from 218,742 MT CO2e in 2013 to 206,788 in 2022, Solid Waste emissions decreased 20% from 8,654 MT CO2e in 2013 to 6,935 in 2022, and Building emissions dropped 28% from 270,110 MT CO2e in 2013 to 194,395 in 2022. Although all sectors have seen reductions, only the Building sector has seen reductions on track with long-term GHG reduction goals as established in the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan (80% reduction by 2050). Maplewood Community-Wide GHG Emission Trends14 Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Introduction 1 -6 Annual Emissions Reduced Since 2013 Total 2022 Annual Emissions How Large Are Community wide GHG Emissions? The City’s total emissions for 2022 are equivalent to over 8.05 Billion cubic feet of human-made greenhouse gas atmosphere. This volume of atmos- phere is equal to a cube 2,004 feet on each face, seen here from Hayden Heights Library over 2 miles away Emissions Per Capita How Do We Stack Up? In 2022, Maplewood emitted 10 MT CO₂e per person, significantly below the U.S. average of 20.7 MT CO₂e.14 The chart on the left compares Maplewood emissions to other Minnesota communities. Eagan, MN Edina, MN St Paul, MN North Mankato, MN Minneapolis, MN Roseville, MN Warren, MN Maplewood, MN Plymouth, MN New Brighton, MN Winona, MN Woodbury, MN Falcon Heights La Crescent, MN Crystal, MN Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Introduction 1 -7 The plan guides both City operations and community-wide climate action. It includes an implementation section and three sectors focused on reducing GHG emissions. Each sector is presented with goals and strategies, supported by actions and partnership opportunities for implementation. Actions represent strategies and initiatives the City can implement directly and over which it has primary control. These are measures the City can advance through its own policies, programs, investments, and operations. Partnership Opportunities identify areas where the City can support, expand, or promote existing projects and initiatives led by other agencies or organizations. While the City may not have direct control over these efforts, it can play a meaningful role through collaboration, advocacy, and coordination. Click arrows below to view sections. The Plan A climate mitigation plan should be treated as a living document—one that evolves alongside advances in science, emerging technologies, shifting federal and state regulations, and changing resource availability. As new data refines our understanding of climate risks and solutions, the plan must be flexible enough to incorporate updated emissions targets, innovative tools, and best practices. Policy changes at the federal and state levels may introduce new compliance requirements or funding opportunities, requiring timely adjustments. Additionally, fluctuations in staffing, funding, and community capacity can influence implementation strategies. By building in regular review cycles and clear update processes, the plan can remain relevant, effective, and aligned with current conditions and opportunities. The Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan: Addresses 3 Sectors of GHG emission reductions Through 14 Strategies To achieve goals Supported by a menu of 60 Actions & Partnership Opportunities that can be taken Over a 10 Year Implementation timeframe Transportation and Land Use Click here for section Enhancing the resilience of Maplewood’s mobility while reducing GHG emissions and environmental impacts of transportation and land use. Buildings and Energy Reducing building related GHG emissions and enhancing resilience by improving efficiency, using renewable energy, and reducing on-site combustion. Click here for section Waste Management Click here for section Minimizing GHG emissions by increasing recycling, material reuse, organics collection, and waste reduction. Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Introduction 1 -8 This plan aligns with science-based GHG reduction targets established by the State of Minnesota, Metropolitan Council, and Ramsey County.14,15,16 The CMP sets both interim and long-term goals: City of Maplewood’s GHG interim reduction goal: “To reduce citywide GHG emissions by 46% below 2013 levels by 2036.” City of Maplewood’s long-term GHG goal: “To achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”*,** The CMP goals should be reviewed as part of the City’s upcoming 2050 Comprehensive Plan process and development. The plan’s Sector goals aim to evenly distribute GHG reductions and meet the community's overall emissions targets. They are designed to be achievable yet ambitious, surpassing business-as-usual outcomes. * Goal aligns with State of Minnesota, Metropolitan Council, and Ramsey County GHG reduction goals.14,15,16 ** A community, business, institution, or building that produces the same amount of energy it consumes through renewable GHG emission-free sources (“clean energy”), resulting in zero net emissions over a year. Long-Term Goal Interim Goal Burnsville Reduce community-wide GHG emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050. Eagan To reduce community-wide GHG emissions 55% below 2014 levels by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2050. Edina To reduce community-wide GHG emissions 45% below 2019 levels by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050. Falcon Heights To reduce community-wide GHG emissions 47% below 2019 levels by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2050. Minneapolis 100% renewable energy for city operations by 2022 and citywide electricity by 2030. New Brighton To reduce community-wide GHG emissions 42% below 2013 levels by 2030, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 . St Louis Park 100% renewable electricity citywide by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2040. St Paul Carbon neutral municipal operations by 2030, carbon neutral citywide by 2050. Survey of Peer Community Carbon Reduction Goals GHG Reduction Goal Click here to return to TOC Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Transportation and Land Use 2 -1 Moving people, goods, and services requires large amounts of energy, and the vehicles and equipment that enable this mobility are highly resource-intensive. Beyond cars and trucks, construction equipment, recreational vehicles, and lawn and landscape tools also rely heavily on fossil fuels for daily operation. Globally, transportation and equipment systems account for roughly one-quarter of total energy use and carbon dioxide emissions.1 In Maplewood, the transportation and land use sector is responsible for 50.4% of citywide GHG emissions and is expected to grow as the electricity supply becomes increasingly renewable.2 There are many pathways to make transportation more sustainable while improving equity and quality of life. Expanding shared and multi-modal transportation and reducing reliance on single- occupancy vehicles can significantly lower emissions. Walking, biking, e-bikes, and scooters also support physical activity and reduce air pollution. At the same time, transitioning to electric vehicles and renewable fuels can further decarbonize transportation and improve local air quality, including in lower-income neighborhoods with historically lower electric vehicle (EV) adoption.3, 4 The Link Between Land Use and Transportation Emissions Transportation emission strategies often focus on vehicle technologies and lower-carbon fuels, but research shows that land-use decisions are equally important. Smart growth and compact development reduce emissions by shortening trips, supporting walking and transit, and lowering overall vehicle travel. More compact communities are also associated with more energy-efficient housing. Studies indicate that thoughtful urban development can deliver meaningful emission reductions; one analysis of the 125 largest U.S. urbanized areas found that a 10% increase in population density was associated with a 4.8% reduction in travel-related CO₂ emissions and a 3.5% reduction in residential energy emissions.5 Transportation and Land Use CURRENTLY IN MAPLEWOOD (2022) 50.4% Community-wide GHG emissions in 2022 from transportation 379.9 million Vehicle Miles Traveled in 2022 75.5% Commuters drove alone in 2022 1.9% Commuters use public transit 346 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) registered Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Transportation and Land Use 2 -2 Through alignment with established goals, this section outlines strategies to reduce citywide GHG emissions by 105,530 MT CO2e annually by 2036—a 46% decrease from 2013 levels. This is equivalent to removing over 15,400 vehicles from the road or eliminating 3 billion cubic feet of greenhouse gases annually by 2036.2,7 Emission changes are detailed below: Sector Impact: Equity Considerations: Equity in transportation climate action means sharing the costs, benefits, and responsibilities of reducing emissions fairly—especially for communities that have been disproportionately impacted. Key equity considerations include: Access: Expand affordable, reliable, and low-carbon transportation options by improving public transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and closing service gaps in underserved areas. Affordability: Reduce financial barriers through incentives, subsidies, and financing that support low-income households in adopting cleaner transportation. Jobs: Support transportation workers through retraining, quality job opportunities, and fair wages as the sector transitions to a green economy. 46% 7.5% 5.1% 20% 7.2% To align with established goals by 2036:* Sector Goals: lower GHG emissions fewer vehicle miles traveled increased public transit use increased electric vehicles increase in population density *Established goals include State of Minnesota Climate Framework, Metropolitan Council Priority and Comprehensive Climate Action Plans Ramsey County Climate Equity Plan, and City of Maplewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan.8 BAU = 'Business-as-Usual' Reductions are anticipated reductions resulting from existing requirements or commitments, which are outside the scope of this plan. How We Get There: Strategies guide how we achieve our climate action goals. Strategy Metrics indicate how we can measure our progress. Actions outline steps the City can take to support strategies. Partnership Opportunities are areas the city can support or promote partner-led initiatives and programs. Found on the following pages: Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Transportation and Land Use 2 -3 Strategy Metrics: Citywide vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in Maplewood was 379.9 million miles in 2022. Although the city saw a 6.3% increase in VMT between 2013 and 2018, VMT decreased after 2018 leaving total miles driven in 2022 2.8% less than in 2013, a decrease of 3.7% per household VMT.2 Every 1% reduction in VMT cuts over 3.7 million miles and lowers GHG emissions by more than 2,000 MT CO2e annually.7 Expanding safe and accessible bike and walking routes to schools, retail, and recreation centers can help reduce vehicle use for everyday trips. Promote community wide efforts to reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) in alignment with county, state, and metropolitan council plan goals. Strategy TL 1 ACTIONS TL 1-1: Collaborate with public transit partners to promote safety at transit stop locations. TL 1-2: As a part of the Comprehensive Plan update, conduct a Living Streets, Sidewalk, and Bike Path Completeness and Quality Assessment. Utilize the Comprehensive Plan findings and the Living Streets Policy when reviewing state, county, and local street improvement projects. TL 1-3: Collaborate with partners on alternative transportation projects. TL 1-4: Continue to designate funding for sidewalk and trail network improvements. TL 1-5: Conduct development planning around public transit transfer areas to increase Transit Oriented Development. Reported “drive alone” commuter transportation data (US Census); Annual VMT data reported (MNDOT) Strategy Metrics: Collaborate with public transit partners to support and promote public transit initiatives in alignment with county, state, and metropolitan council plan goals. Strategy TL 2 ACTIONS TL 2-1 Collaborate with regional partners to ensure transportation alternatives for our community. Including bikes being able to be brought on buses, and that bus stops and route efficiency meet the needs of our community. TL 2-2 Explore partnerships to establish or increase availability of EV car share, e-bike share, or scooter share for improved mobility and to support first- and last-mile transit connections. Require programs to provide proper use and safety education resources. TL 2-3 Identify options to encourage Maplewood employers to support alternative employee commuting through programs such as subsidized transit passes, vanpool support, bike/walk commute stipends, e-bike rebates, or parking cash-out options. Consider adopting similar programs for City of Maplewood employees. Reported public transit commuter data (US Census, MVTA / Metro Transit, AllTransit); Annual VMT data reported (MNDOT) The average commute for Maplewood’s over 17,000 workers is 23.5 minutes, or approximately 15 miles.9,10 Meanwhile, AAA estimates that the cost per mile for operating a vehicle is $0.77.11 Consequently, every 1% increase in commuter utilization of public transit in Maplewood may decrease vehicle miles traveled by 964,000 miles and save commuters $500,000 annually. Maplewood Climate Mitigation Plan - Transportation and Land Use 2 -4 Strategy Metrics: Maplewood’s developed land totals 5,797 acres, representing 50.2% of the City’s total area.¹² This land supports a population of 41,159—an average of 7.1 residents per developed acre.¹³ With the community largely built out, most new development in Maplewood occurs through redevelopment rather than expansion into previously undeveloped land. The City’s population is projected to increase by up to 14% by 2036.¹⁴ Research indicates that for every 1% increase in population - weighted urban density, household travel -related CO₂ emissions decrease by approximately 0.12% to 0.48%.¹⁵,⁵ In a predominantly developed community like Maplewood, redevelopment presents an opportunity to accommodate future growth through increased density within existing neighborhoods and commercial areas, rather than through outward expansion. Establishing zoning ordinances and incentives that support context-sensitive infill and redevelopment—while prioritizing affordable housing and preventing displacement—can help reduce per-household emissions and advance equitable climate outcomes citywide. Encourage increased density requirements as part of Metropolitan Council's comprehensive planning efforts in alignment with county, state, and metropolitan council plan goals. Strategy TL 3 ACTIONS TL 3-1: Update the zoning ordinance to encourage Transit Oriented Development (TOD), accessory dwelling units, mixed-use development, incentivize infill development, and along and near primary Metro Transit routes and transit stops. These amendments should include increasing building heights, allowing projects to build out to approved densities, and should consider opportunities for mixed land use. TL 3-2: Continue to advocate for growth through appropriate increased density: a ) Prioritize elements of the MPCA GreenStep Cities best practices that have the greatest potential for reducing carbon emissions. b ) Give priority to state and local goals for carbon emissions reduction and climate change preparation in growth management decisions. c ) Maximize benefits and consider impacts to communities of color and low- income populations when making growth management decisions. d ) Protect natural resources and increase access to nature and open space within the community and development nodes. Reported total population (US Census); Total developed, non open space, land (City data; US Census data; NHGIS) Strategy Metrics: Promote zero and reduced emission vehicle use in the City of Maplewood in alignment with county, state, and metropolitan council plan goals. Strategy TL 4 ACTIONS TL 4-1: Promote EV charging stations at areas of priority for City goals. TL 4-2: Investigate and promote zero and reduced emission vehicle and transportation incentive TL 4-3: In future trash and recycling hauler RFPs include scoring that rewards and promotes zero emission and lower-emission fleet use. TL 4-4: Investigate and promote zero emission equipment incentive programs. TL 4-5: Conduct a zero emission fleet transition study for city vehicles. Include yearly review of telematic Registered EV vehicles citywide (MNDOT; EV Hub) Transitioning Maplewood’s vehicles from fossil fuels to low- and zero-emission options is essential for long-term emissions reductions. Electric vehicles can cut vehicle emissions by 50–70%, and the emissions from battery manufacturing are typically offset within about two years.16 Concerns about EV battery sustainability are increasingly mitigated by advances in recycling. EV batteries contain valuable materials—such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel— that can be recovered at rates exceeding 95% and reused multiple times.17 A Stanford University analysis found that batteries made with recycled materials can generate up to 80% fewer emissions than those produced from virgin materials, reducing the emissions breakeven point with gasoline vehicles to under 15,000 miles.18 Recent research also shows that recycled batteries can match or outperform those made from new materials.19 Maplewood has an estimated 30,300 vehicles, but as of December 2024, only 429 were battery electric vehicles (BEVs and PHEVs).97,20 For every 1% of vehicles in Maplewood converted to EVs, up to 1,600 MT CO2e of greenhouse gas emissions could be eliminated annually, even accounting for increased electricity use.2,7